DRAFT
TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
302 MAIN STREET
OLD SAYBROOK, CT 06475-2369
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Town of Old Saybrook Water Pollution Control Authority met on Monday, February 23, 2009, in the Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park, College Street Extension, Old Saybrook, Connecticut to conduct a Special Meeting to include a Public Information Session for the neighborhood of Saybrook Acres.
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Pavel Wilson at 7:00PM.
II. Introduction of Staff and Consultant
Pavel Wilson, Chuck Wehrly, George Gwizd, Doris Zumbroski, Elsa Payne, Nelson Engborg, Mike Evangelisti, and John Claffey were present. Dr. Robert Powitz was absent.
Also in attendance were; Don Lucas, WPCA Coordinator, Robbie Marshall, WPCA Info. Specialist, Peter Grose of Fuss & O’Neill, and members of the public.
III. Accept Agenda
A motion was made by Nelson Engborg to accept the agenda. It was seconded by Chuck Wehrly. The motion carried unanimously.
IV. Public Information Session for Saybrook Acres
V. Questions and Answers
Q: Are the slides on the website? A: Yes.
Q: When will this occur/how long will it take? A: Our commitment to DEP is to have it completed in 7 – 8 years.
Q: Will there be financial help available for residents? A: The Clean Water Fund will provide money to offset the costs; 20 year 2% loans will be available to anyone in the WWMD. Homeowners will be responsible for 50% of the costs. 25% will come from the CWF, the Town provides 25% in services. Buying in bulk will help reduce the cost. We just received a Small Cities Grant which will apply to anyone in Town if they meet the income limits.
Q: What is the timeframe for the project? A: The construction will probably start in the Spring of 2010 and finish in about 6 months.
Q: When does the soil testing take place? And will it happen on each property? A: We should have indications based on groundwater sampling that was done, but it won’t need to be done on each property.
Q: What if you have 2 full septic systems? A: It will need further investigation.
Q: What is the life expectancy of these upgrades? A: You should get 25 years out of the systems.
Q: What size tank for 2-bedrooms? A: The minimum size tank is 1000 gallon.
Q: When will there be a vote? A: The Town referendum will be in August of 2009 with a public hearing and Town meeting leading up to it.
Q: Why do you need a wastewater management district? A new level of bureaucracy? A: The Connecticut General Statutes require the implementation of a wastewater management district in the areas that are affected, whether it is for a sewer system and central plant or a decentralized program like the one proposed.
Q: What happens if we vote down the WWMD? A: Then you will own a central treatment plant discharging into the CT River at a cost of $71 million. A: If we turn out with a negative vote then we will lose the beauty of Old Saybrook that we have enjoyed for many years. A: The reason is that you don’t have the authority today to do what is necessary, like manage advanced treatment systems. So what was done in 2003 was enact legislation that built the framework for the WWMD to be able to use this approach. It laid out the steps; an engineering study, DEP and DPH approval etc. That is the way it is set up in the state statutes and Old Saybrook will be the first to take advantage of the legislation.
Q: How many people will work for this district? A: Right now we have 2, and we don’t plan on staffing up. There is Don Lucas and Robbie Marshall who work for the WPCA, not a district. The WPCA will handle the overall administration and AT systems and the CT River Health District will handle the conventional systems like they do today.
Q: Who will hire the contractors? A: Once we start the neighborhood, we’ll draw up a sketch and you can hire someone on an approved list. If we did several at once it would be economy of scale.
Q: Will the contractors be watched? A: There are program standards they have to adhere to and special training will be required for AT systems.
Q: Why is my lot gray? A: We did not have all the information in Town Hall. Give us the sketch and we will look into it.
Peter Grose supplied an explanation of the map updating process.
Q: How likely is it that you will have to replace the system again? A: The Health District is aware of the upgrades so they will make sure that the system complies with them. You most likely won’t have to do it again.
There was a discussion about DPH regulation 18” depth to groundwater vs. 24” in the WWMD Ordinance.
Q: Would long term climate changes impact the groundwater levels. A: It doesn’t fluctuate very much, it only rises about an inch a foot with the tide.
Q: Is there any actual proof that we’re polluting? A: The State Supreme Court says yes. The DEP says pollution is caused by human activity. We have fought the State on many fronts. A: The groundwater samples show evidence of human activity, not gross pollution, but impact from septic systems.
One aspect of the plan is to focus on overall nitrogen reduction. There was an explanation of where the groundwater sampling wells were sited. The results were pretty uniform no matter where they were.
Q: If you have a 2-compartment tank could it still be undersized (for a 2-bedroom house)? A: No because they only make 2-compartment tanks in 1000 gallons.
Q: What is being done about the commercial properties? A: The systems that generate over 5000 gallons per day are regulated by the DEP. There was a discussion about the amount of effluent generated from large systems versus the residential areas. The DEP systems are more strictly regulated.
There was an explanation of the pie chart – the 25% that comes from the Town is borne by the taxpayers which includes the commercial properties.
Q: What criteria were the WWMD areas based on? A: It began with engineering studies done in the 70’s and evolved from there. A: All the history of the focus areas is provided in the WPCA December newsletter.
Q: It would cost $75 million to sewer the whole Town? A: No just the focus areas. It would cost $45 million for the onsite plan for everything (engineering, administration, monitoring, and construction.) If you chose the sewer plan, you would pick up the commercial areas, adding 600 properties, so it would be much higher but spread over more units. The Clean Water Fund would cover the sewer alternative; there would be a 25% grant.
There was a discussion about houses situated on marshes. These 15 focus areas were developed over 30 years with negotiation. You could add more over time.
Q: If our septic system fails before this happened would we be entitled to the 50%? A: In order to be eligible for the State money you need to have the WWMD, a bonding authorization to access the money, and other administration for the Town to give the money back to the homeowner. The Town takes the loan and makes it available to the homeowner. A: There is also a Small Cities grant available which is income dependent.
Q: Will I still get money if I use a different contractor? A: You need to choose an approved contractor.
Q: What are the chances that other lots not on the water will require an ATS? A: It would only be required on a waterfront lot or one that is very small with high groundwater conditions. There probably won’t be any more than the 2 lots already designated as AT.
Q: Can we take this as an opportunity to add bedrooms? A: If it meets the Zoning regulations.
Q: If the Town votes down the WWMD do you believe the State would come in and enforce a sewer system? A: Yes. We have been under orders since 1989, there has been some leniency.
Q: Where would the sewer treatment plant be? A: The plant does not have to be on the River; it can be located elsewhere and then piped to the River. A: We had to compare the program to something, so we compared it with the sewer treatment plant, but we are not in favor of it. We are a Sewer Avoidance organization.
There was an explanation of costs of the centralized system versus the onsite program. Per person, $30,000 with the 25% grant it would be about $22,000 with a 2% loan over 20-years.
There was an explanation of drywells, their depth which is close or in the groundwater. Now you have shallow leaching that can be situated 24” above the groundwater.
VI. Close of Public Information Session; Open Regular WPCA Meeting
VII. Seating of Alternates
Mike Evangelisti was seated for Dr. Robert Powitz.
VIII. Approval of Minutes
The WPCA reviewed the minutes of the February 9, 2009 regular meeting.
A motion was made by Elsa Payne to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 9, 2009. It was seconded by Chuck Wehrly and approved unanimously.
IX. Report of Subcommittees
a. Staff Report – Coordinator Lucas reviewed the report as follows.
For February:
- Map Update project: finish Saybrook Acres and Oyster River East, and begin Meadowood and Maple Avenue North
- Submit CWF invoices and documents
- Prepare for Public Education Sessions on 2/23, 2/26, and 3/4
- Set up Referendum Meeting for March
- Set up Financing Meeting (Referendum) for March
- Participate in Delegation of Authority discussions with DEP – had first meeting there were no surprises
- Develop press release for the Small Cities Grant
For March:
- Map Update project: finish Meadowood, Maple Avenue North and Fenwood
- Prepare for Public Education Sessions: Meadowood & Maple Ave. N.
- Submit CWF invoices and documents for first quarter and December 2008
- Investigate simplifying pump out program with CRAHD
- Follow up on Delegation of Authority requirements
Mr. Lucas has opened a dialogue with local realtors and they are discussing the staff attending one of their breakfast meetings to present the WWMD. There was a discussion about combining the pumpers and realtor program. Mr. Lucas is concerned that if the WPCA meets with the installers there really won’t be anything to say.
There was a discussion about setting up other meetings for homeowners outside of the WWMD, and concern that they may not to turn out to vote. The rest of the Town is responsible for 25% of the cost (in services provided by the town.) For a sewer system the cost would be higher because the property owners in the WWMD are only responsible for the benefit assessment (the amount of value that the sewer adds to the property.)
Chuck Wehrly said he hasn’t heard the 1st Selectman offer the same 25% from the Town. There is still the 25% from the Clean Water Fund and then the low interest loan.
Peter Grose described the State statute that limits the amount you can charge for a benefit assessment. A small town on a lake charged $10,000. The most you can probably levy is $10,000- $15,000, the rest you have to take out of the Town coffers. The onsite program is less impact on the Town taxes.
Mike Evangelisti said part of the original plan showed sewer and onsite figures. Being north of the highway he would pay a non-user fee. You need to figure out what it would cost for both and to tell those not in the WWMD that it is going to cost them something, regardless.
Ongoing
- Monitor monthly budget
- Keep pumpout program on track
- Respond to residents
- Clerical: minutes, agenda, meeting materials
- Organize & input invoices (Excel) for quarterly CWF submissions
- Interface with DEP, consultants, and Town commissions
- Monitor WWMP schedules
- Continue investigating alternative technologies for applicability to WWMD
Mr. Lucas said that CRAHD is interested in pursuing the update to Ordinance 75, which would occur after the WWMD ordinance is passed.
There was a discussion on the Small Cities Grant and the reference to tenants.
b. Budget– Coordinator Lucas has been reviewing the expenses going into and out of the Sewer Avoidance fund.
c. Mapping Project – Ms. Marshall said a map meeting was held the previous Wednesday and gave the following summary. According to Attorney Wertam AT designations for waterfront lots cannot be changed due to the Mediated Agreement, regardless if they can use alternative technology. So the 2 Saybrook Acres lots were changed back to “Blue” for AT. The little gray lot that was in contention, turned out to be vacant so that designation was
changed as well. Oyster River East input is complete as well as Mr. Lucas’s designations. So Wendy Arnold will send them to Fuss & O’Neill. Dennis Greci is expecting 13 AT lots on the O.R.E. map. All of Meadowood was copied and Mr. Lucas has started reviewing it. Ms. Marshall has started copying the data in the Maple Avenue North files and is ¼ of the way through. The next map meeting is on Wednesday Feb. 23. Regarding the Meadowood meeting on March 4th; the mailing has been held until the map is certain to be done.
d. Referendum Update – John Claffey had researched the process and announced the following. We have to get the question for the WWMD completed. The BOS calls for the referendum; that has to be done 30 days in advance (which is August 11th.) Mr. Claffey has to confirm with the attorney that the question will be ready. Mr. Grose said the other part of the referendum is the bonding authorization. It needs to have specific language and make
reference to the Clean Water Fund. Chairman Wilson said he understood that the Board of Finance has to start the process.
Chuck Wehrly reviewed the Public Education schedule of meetings leading up to the referendum. There was a discussion on the invitation to the Chalker Beach Association’s meeting. The Board considered the dates, day of the week, the venue, number of attendees, and the equipment needed for a good presentation and decided to keep the large venues like the schools. If they can’t make a meeting, they can attend another one. The public hearing for the Facilities Plan is scheduled for June 17th. Mr. Wehrly asked who would need to be in attendance besides the members and what would we be talking about? There is a 6-week difference between this meeting and the Town Meeting on the referendum. Mr. Grose said the public hearing will be more formal, with names of people
speaking, taped, and a copy will go into the Facilities Plan. You could decide to make changes based on what you hear. You are really there just to listen, but you can answer questions. At the Town Meeting you are going to be speaking to the items you are forwarding to the referendum; the WWMD ordinance and the funding. You are going to need to review the questions and make sure people understand them. Mr. Wehrly said the referendum needs to be within 7-14 days, the BOS preference was for a Tuesday, so the referendum will be scheduled on August 11th.
Another date to be aware of is the Quarterly Land Use Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th. That is an opportunity to give a presentation to various boards and commissions such as Zoning, Planning, Conservation etc. He wondered if Christine Nelson would be receptive to inviting other commissions besides Land Use. Ms. Marshall said she would email Ms. Nelson and ask if all the commissions could be invited. There was a discussion on what the realtors would want for a presentation. Mr. Claffey asked if Bellaire Manor (Chalker Beach) will get invitations to the meeting. Ms. Marshall said if they are on the map, they will be included. She explained that she gives the map to the Assessor and he makes the address disk for the mailing.
Mr. Wehrly wanted to establish the personnel for the town meetings; engineer, WPCA attorney, town attorney (whom they haven’t heard from), and BOS. Mr. Grose advised that Dennis Greci be invited (at the March 6th meeting.) Mr. Wehrly said it is essential that at least 4 WPCA members attend the P.E. sessions to make a quorum and asked for a show of hands for Thursday.
Elsa Payne asked if the O.R.E. presentation is ready. Ms. Marshall said all we need is the map, we use the same presentation. And then change the numbers to reflect the Oyster River East map. She said she’d like to add a Small Cities Grant slide to the back end as a spare, if someone asks. She also suggested putting a website slide at the end.
X. New Business
Mr. Lucas said he checked on the resignation of Dr. Robert Powitz and apparently a letter needs to go to the Town Clerk. The BOS has a 45-day period to make an appointment. If they fail to act, the WPCA could make their own appointment. Elevating an alternate to a regular member also needs to be done by the BOS.
Ms. Marshall distributed the Alternate Treatment System Design article that Dennis Greci emailed, to the Board.
XI. Old Business
No items.
XII. Correspondence and Bills
A letter was received from Hank Olszewski of DEP dated January 23, 2009 regarding the Clean Water Fund. He reviewed invoices totaling $18,863.67, applied the 55% grant and wired $10,375.04 to the Sewer Avoidance fund. Ms. Marshall added that it closes out Amendment 4, it is not the outstanding funds from April 2007 to August 2008. So now the larger reimbursements from Amendment 5 will continue to come in.
The Coordinator presented 3 bills for payment. The first was from Robbie Marshall for a reimbursement of the Oyster River East mailing in the amount of $25.00. The second bill was from Fuss & O’Neill for engineering services including the mapping process through January 2009 and meetings in the amount of $7042.50. The third was from Robbie Marshall for public education consultant services for the month of February 2009 in the amount of $603.75. All three items are subject to CWF reimbursement back into the Sewer Avoidance fund.
A motion was made by Chuck Wehrly to approve payments of the bills from: Robbie Marshall for a reimbursement of the Oyster River East mailing in the amount of $25.00, Fuss & O’Neill for engineering services including the mapping process and meetings through January 2009 in the amount of $7042.50, and from Robbie Marshall for public education consultant services for the month of February 2009 in the amount of $603.75. It was seconded by Nelson Engborg and approved unanimously.
XIII. Adjournment.
A motion to adjourn was made at 9:49PM by Nelson Engborg. It was seconded by Elsa Payne and carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Old Saybrook Water Pollution Control Authority
Robbie A. Marshall
WPCA Recording Clerk
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